The secret to keeping Mr Versatile contented at Coventry City
Joel Latibeaudiere impressed from day one at Coventry City, first and foremost in his natural centre-back position. But five months on and the summer signing from Swansea has become Mr Versatile for the Sky Blues[1], deployed as a full-back, wing-back and, more recently, to excellent effect in the middle of the park in a holding role. Asked earlier in the season about the prospect of the 23-year-old being deployed in the position he plays for Jamaica, Mark Robins[2] played down the suggestion and appeared reluctant to try him there despite being light in numbers when Ben Sheaf was out injured.
More recently, however, the manager tested the water by using Latibeaudiere from the bench before a man of the match display at Leeds United confirmed the quality he offers in that area of the pitch – a fact backed up by another highly creditable performance against Sheffield Wednesday on Boxing Day.[3] Speaking after the 2-0 win, Latibeaudiere revealed: “I am always a defender at heart, but I have been brought in here to play in multiple positions, the gaffer explained that at the start of the season. That is one of the reasons he wanted to bring me in.
“I have played right-back, centre-back and I play midfield for my country, so it is not like I am being asked to do something I cannot. It gives me confidence knowing the manager can come to me and put me in those positions. “It is another tool in my tool box, I get to learn from him (Mark Robins), Adi (Viveash) and Dennis (Lawrence), all great coaches, so I am getting more experience.
The more tools in my tool box the better it is for me.” One thing is becoming clear, that Latibeaudiere is a player who Robins is keen to fit into his side, and midfield seems to be the obvious place since switching to a back four, which has been settled for the last eight games. If Liam Kitching’s red card is unable to be overturned it would provide an opportunity for another centre-half, albeit Luis Binks would be the obvious man to fill in given that he’s a naturally left footed.
Asked whether it is frustrating that he’s not cemented his place in a fixed position, Latibeaudiere said: “Maybe a bit, but the gaffer always gives me an opportunity to nail down a position whether that is right-back, centre-back or midfield.” And highlighting Robins’ man management skills, the player added: “I know I will always get a game under the gaffer, he always speaks to me. I have a lot of clarity with him and that is all we ask for as players, to have clarity and know what his plans are coming into the games.
I have that clarity so that is good and I am happy.
I am happy with the roles I have.”
Where do you see Latibeaudiere’s long-term position in the team?
References
- ^ Sky Blues (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
- ^ Mark Robins (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
- ^ highly creditable performance against Sheffield Wednesday on Boxing Day. (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
- ^ Mark Robins issues transfer window update as Hamer question lingers (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
- ^ Can Tats target 10 as decision threatens to unsettle Sky Blues (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
- ^ here (www.coventrytelegraph.net)